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Per April 1st 2025, Prof. dr. Gerda Andringa will be the new Dean of ľ�ϸ���Ӱ�� College Roosevelt (UCR). She has been appointed by the UCR Board of Trustees and the Executive Board of Utrecht ľ�ϸ���Ӱ�� for a period of four years.

Gerda Andringa has been with UCR for many years. As Professor of Community Engaged Learning in Health and Care and Director of Education, she plays a crucial role in the development and innovation of the education program. Thanks to her in-depth knowledge of the academic landscape and her strategic insight, she has built strong collaborations with local and regional partners. For example, she works closely with HZ ľ�ϸ���Ӱ�� of Applied Sciences, the Academic Workshop on Eldercare Zeeland, the Community Engaged Learning (CEL) program council of UU and the Delta Climate Center to promote joint education and research initiatives and further embed UCR within the Zeeland region. 

Implementing the renewed academic direction

Following the recently initiated reorganization, Prof. Andringa will lead UCR into more stable waters by effectively implementing its renewed academic direction and keeping UCR financially sound. She will focus on strengthening UCR's position as an academic hub in Zeeland by fostering strategic collaborations with regional and international partners. With an updated curriculum that better addresses societal and economic needs and the needs of a new generation of students, UCR's attractiveness and competitiveness will be enhanced. At the same time, it will oversee efficient operations and cost control to ensure UCR's sustainable growth.

In confirming her appointment, Prof. Dr. Andringa sasys: “UCR is a unique Liberal Arts & Sciences college where faculty and students form a close learning community. I look forward to working with them to shape a renewed curriculum. We will maintain our diverse, intensive and small-scale program, but with sharper alignment with political, regional and social developments and with much attention to the personal and professional formation of our students. It is a privilege to lead this.”

The right person in the right place

I am convinced that Gerda is the right person in the right place as the new Dean of UCR. With her impressive track record in the field of Liberal Arts & Sciences, and her empathy, she is uniquely qualified to help new and current UCR students benefit from the attractive curriculum that has been established. On the UU side, we have full confidence in her and in UCR's revamped curriculum.

Dr. Yvonne Kops, chair of the UCR Board of Trustees, says: “In UCR's vision for the future, civic engagement and connection to the regional environment, including Community Engaged Learning, is a core part of the Liberal Arts & Sciences program. We are confident that Professor Andringa, with her knowledge and connecting qualities will be able to provide inspiring leadership for the development of the college in this direction, permanently working to improve the quality and attractiveness of the program and the broader learning environment for students.”